patience and its effects

Isn't it curious what we remember?  Doing art this morning, I remember one time I was at an elementary school friend's house.  Her mom was painting a coffee table red and black.  To determine which wooden planks to paint the alternate color, she tossed coins onto the table and painted whichever strips they landed on.  I think that image has stayed with me ~20 years because it seemed so utterly random, in a way I'm not sure I have ever engaged with when I think about creating something permanent.  

When I think of "The David," by Michelangelo, I remember being in the room with it in a museum in Florence.  My mental association is of my friend, sitting with her head low.  She was just catching a stomach bug that had affected our travel group.  I had returned from the gift shop with the only available plastic bag in case she needed it.  She looked up to me: "they don't have any that aren't clear?"

Funny what our minds choose not to discard.

beauty's byproducts

I am working on a (likely) 7-piece watercolor series in celebration of the Church's Year of Mercy, to be completed by this fall.  And repressing every vain bone in my body not to post the pieces as I complete them.  Instead, here's this morning's residue.  

A Friendship Club

Happy April -- or should I say, National Occupational Therapy month!  Occupational therapy addresses everyday activities that OCCUPY your time during the day.  In a nursing home, this often includes Activities of Daily Living: dressing, bathing, grooming, toileting, cooking...or whatever is relevant for an individual.  

sketch by one of "my" patients...sometimes the worlds of art and OT overlap

Here are some memorable quotes I've heard working in a nursing home for the last 1.5+ years.  

Me: Do you know what day today is?

Her: What day was it yesterday?

Me: Do you know the name of this place where you are right now (rehab gym)?

Him: I don’t know.  A Bowling alley?  A Friendship Club?

These are your ideas or government ideas that they give you to use? - practicing getting on/off toilet

I sure don’t know the month or day; I don’t think it’s necessary to.  

I heard you but I don’t want to hear you.

Not only do I have to live here; I have to do the cooking. – regarding using Rehab kitchen

(seeing a therapist talking to a patient across the room): Looks like there’s about to be a fight over there.  I’m for the little lady in the wheelchair.  That’s right.  Slug her.

I don’t want to put on too much.  It looks trashy with too much. – 95 year old, regarding lipstick

Me: Do you know how to check the messages on your phone?  Did your family write down the steps for you?

Her: Yes, here it is:  Step #1: Open the flip phone.  Oh my goodness, they must think I’m an idiot. 

Tell him to get the hell out of my side of the room! – regarding his roommate, who is bedbound

Me: That takes a lot of fine motor coordination and good vision.

Her: It really does and it’s not for old folks.  – 95 year old, replacing her own hearing aide batteries

Oh, that damn old thing. – 102 year old’s response to me bringing her walker

That’s my name!  At least it used to be.  I don’t know what the hell it is now. – 102 year old

I’m making them walk with me.  They may not want to, but I’m making them walk with me. – regarding her shoes

Her:  I named my walker, “Erin.”

Erin: Oh, I feel honored.

Her:  Yes, you should until I throw it into the river.

Her: Are you going to stay here with me?

Me: No, but I wish I could.

Her: I want you to do more than wish.  I want you to.  It’s very important.  I know it is. Because God told me so.